It shocks me so much when people I know say they did a 'donkey vote' because they don't know who to vote for, and they don't want to vote for the mob who is currently in. Edit - I mean donkey vote not by numbering but by scribbling on the paper or putting a tick or 1 against everyone!

But yes - it really surprises me how many people don't 'get' how voting works [this lead to a bit of a family *ahem* 'drama' a few years ago - with my BIL telling me if you 'donkey voted' or scribbled a 'f*** you' on the ballot paper - either way ..your vote would go to the person already in leadership at that time.
...W...T...F!!? I don't understand how an almost 40 year old man could think that is what would happen!]

Also 'donkey voting' is numbering your ballot paper from 1,2,3,4 etc down the page - and these votes actually get counted - an 'informal vote' is a blank piece of paper,, smiley face or a 'F** you' depending on your personality
these do not count as a vote for anyone.

It shocks me so much when people I know say they did a 'donkey vote' because they don't know who to vote for, and they don't want to vote for the mob who is currently in. Edit - I mean donkey vote not by numbering but by scribbling on the paper or putting a tick or 1 against everyone!

Derr, a donkey vote counts towards the side that's already in power!

A donkey vote ONLY counts as a vote for the incumbent IF the incumbent happens to get the top spot on the ballot paper. It's a random draw.

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You can have a smiley face or an FU on a ballot - as long as you have numbered the boxes sequentially your vote is formal. Artistic or written additions to a ballot paper don't in themselves automatically render a ballot informal. Signing your name (or another identifying mark) on a ballot will render the ballot informal. Altering the names of candidates might cause the ballot to be declared informal in some instances.

During a count, it's the formality of the boxes that are scrutinised. Any other written/drawn rubbish on the ballot is generally ignored unless it is a specific instance of informality such as voter identification.

It shocks me so much when people I know say they did a 'donkey vote' because they don't know who to vote for, and they don't want to vote for the mob who is currently in. Edit - I mean donkey vote not by numbering but by scribbling on the paper or putting a tick or 1 against everyone!

Derr, a donkey vote counts towards the side that's already in power!

Scribbling = an 'informal vote'

think lotsof people now use the term 'donkey vote' when they 'can't be assed'
[excuse the pun]

You can have a smiley face or an FU on a ballot - as long as you have numbered the boxes sequentially your vote is formal. Artistic or written additions to a ballot paper don't in themselves automatically render a ballot informal. Signing your name (or another identifying mark) on a ballot will render the ballot informal. Altering the names of candidates might cause the ballot to be declared informal in some instances.

During a count, it's the formality of the boxes that are scrutinised. Any other written/drawn rubbish on the ballot is generally ignored unless it is a specific instance of informality such as voter identification.

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